Latest Fourth Estate Articles

(Courtesy of Aniya Coffey)

Hundreds of miles away from Mason, in the Big Apple, a Mason student’s fashion work was featured on a billboard in Times Square on April 14. Ferocity, a fashion brand “all about being fierce in what you wear,” partnered with CB Modeling Associates (CBMA) and Supermodels Unlimited to showcase the student’s designs on models advertising the agency and magazine.  

Freshman Aniya Coffey, the founder of Ferocity, has built an extensive fashion portfolio in just her first year at Mason. Coffey studies economics at Mason and explained that “majoring in economics would be the best way to continue to develop my brand philosophy as well as my nonprofit organization.” 

Blisx DC, the nonprofit Coffey founded, aims to educate underrepresented communities in Washington D.C., about the fashion industry. “It started off with lessons of teaching students how to sew stitch designs and make their own clothes… [Next thing,] I’m blowing up to be hosting modeling workshops, working with students, showing them how to use a camera.” 

Blisx DC recently held a panel and workshop where attendees learned about the history and significance of ballroom culture, including voguing and the “kiki.” 

If asked how she’s spent her first year at Mason, Coffey might say that she co-created a student organization. The Garment District, a registered student organization (RSO), is “creating [a] space where fashion designers or people interested in fashion design can come and learn things of the fashion industry,” she said. 

“The biggest thing was seeing that there were no spaces for people directly in fashion design,” Coffey said as an explanation for starting the Garment District. “[It] can also be like a liaison between all groups… You can allow the Garment District or designers within our group to make clothes for you because one it’s cheaper and then, we’re promoting sustainable fashion because ordering off of websites like Shein, it’s not good for the environment, overall.” 

(Courtesy of Aniya Coffey)

And it doesn’t stop there. Alongside her nonprofit and  fashion line Coffey is also branching into celebrity styling. One of her most notable clients is Nick Dorka, a former William & Mary footballer player and reality TV personality from Netflix’s Love Is Blind Season 7, which was set in D.C. 

Coffey described the experience as a “blessing” because she got “to know more about him to… elevate his style, to make sure that he’s comfortable with what he’s wearing as well as trying new things.” 

When asked about her styling process, Coffey said, “It’s pretty much more of matching [the client’s] energy because when I style, I like to meet the person first or do extensive research on [them].” Coffey further explained, “My thing, going into styling, is to make sure that people are exploring the different opportunities, the ways that they can dress, [and] taking critiques and things they may want to wear, as well as overall enjoying the experience.” 

Behind all her work, Coffey said that she draws inspiration from the eclectic style of musician and TikTok fashion influencer Aliyah’s Interlude. “Seeing the way she dresses, it made her stand out [as] confident. She was bold. I was like, yep, a lot of my personal inspiration… really does come from her.” 

When Coffey is in the creative spirit, she’ll spend hours at The Mix designing pieces with reusable clothing. “I’m really big on sustainable fashion, reusable clothing. That’s how I got started with fashion design,” Coffey said. “One of my more notable pieces is the tie tops that I made. I’m not the person willing to go rifling for myself, but I will go thrifting for other people and then make those alterations.”  

Coffey’s accomplishments and creative works have caused her to start thinking about her post-graduation ambitions. “I want to go into consulting because it was something that I enjoyed doing [back in high school,]” she said. “I [want to] expand [Blisx DC] because it’s just been D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, for now, but there are hundreds of cities that need such programs.” 

The billboard in Times Square is only the start. Reflecting on her accomplishments, Coffey said her main point takeaway is to “be bold with who you are. If you know you are a fashionista, go outside and be a fashionista like no one’s stopping you.” 

Alexandra Henriques/Fourth Estate

BY ALEXANDRA HENRIQUES, STAFF WRITER

WGMU Radio held its second annual music festival, Amplifest, at Jammin Java in Vienna, Virginia on Thursday, April 17. Amplifest serves to connect Mason students with the rich local music scene within the D.C. metro area, while simultaneously uplifting a variety of local bands. This year, Amplifest’s lineup included Night Hawk, ARAUJIA and Gerf.

Night Hawk opened Amplifest with a dreamy yet energetic eight-song set that showcased a mix of their released music and upcoming songs, such as “Paper Receipts,” which was the song’s debut live performance. The band, formed by Colter and Peyton in Maine during the COVID-19 pandemic, is reminiscent of a large found family. 

While Night Hawk is primarily based in the District, they have bandmates in New England, so the music making and performing process often differs. Night Hawk’s upcoming album, which includes “Paper Receipts,” will have songs that feature their New England bandmates, and others where it is just the D.C. crew. 

(Photo courtesy of Amal Qazi)

“Depending on who we play with, we let everyone put their own kind of spin on it. So, Eli’s going to play the drums a bit different than Courtney, who is our drummer up in Maine…Each show is unique, depending on who is there,” Peyton, the lead vocalist, said.

One thing that separates Night Hawk from other indie-rock bands is their gravitation towards string instruments, including a cello in the past and a violin. Now, Emma shines playing the violin in the band, adopting parts that would traditionally be taken by a guitar. At Amplifest, she had an abundance of solos that contributed to the enchanting and bouncy sound of Night Hawk. 

Night Hawk is releasing “Paper Receipts” on May 2 and an accompanying music video on May 9. Additionally, they will also be playing Pearl Street Warehouse on May 30.

ARAUJIA, a four-piece band made of Georgetown University students, takes on alternative metal and shoegaze sounds in a unique, exploratory way. Their performance at Amplifest was electric, as they encouraged the audience to come closer, sing along and dance. 

They performed at Music Production Club’s Plazapalooza last spring, so Amplifest was their second time collaborating with Mason’s student organizations, and each time, they bring something new to the table. At Amplifest, ARAUJIA performed a garage rock rendition of Chappell Roan’s “Good Luck Babe!” while also showcasing new original songs.

ARAUJIA is currently mixing and mastering songs for an upcoming EP, which is expected this summer. The EP follows “virtues” and their most recent single, “time slipping.” In the past, Andres was on his own creating music for ARAUJIA. Now, he has three bandmates to help.

(Photo courtesy of Amal Qazi)

“Most of the songs we’re playing are songs we have all written together. Working with them, us bouncing ideas off of each other, has made us a more dynamic, better band…It’s really powerful, and [the new EP] is very autobiographical,” Andres said of their upcoming music. 

When asked about their favorite part of the D.C. music scene, Andres explained that it is the tight-knit community where “everyone knows each other,” due to a common overlap of band members and performing at local venues together. 

The overlap of band members and close community was even proven when Blas, the drummer for Gerf, told a story about how he sat in for Night Hawk once when their drummer was out. However, the folky, indie sound of Night Hawk and his style of drumming were too different, so they mutually decided it was not a fit. 

Gerf closed Amplifest with a dynamic set that began with a lively performance of their song “Cheddar Mac & Cheese.” Gerf combines garage-rock with surf-punk, a unique and captivating sound. Their songs all contain catchy melodies and choruses, which they optimized as they taught the crowd lyrics to their songs and had the audience chant them back. 

Gerf also sang covers in their style, including “All the Small Things” by Blink-182 and “Teenage Dirtbag” by Wheatus. However, one of the band’s favorite songs to perform is “Couch Sex,” their most popular song with over 200,000 Spotify streams.

(Photo courtesy of Amal Qazi)

“That’s always when people start dancing, so it’s my favorite moment in the set,” Gareth, the lead singer and guitarist, said. 

Gerf released an EP, “Fever,” on April 4, and is projected to release at least two new singles in the upcoming months. They are also a part of Plenty Happening, a D.C. compilation supporting gender affirming care at Whitman-Walker. 

“A bunch of local bands are a part of it. It’s just a big collective album from a bunch of local musicians and hands, and all the proceeds are going to the hospital,” Blas said. “It’s super cool.” 

Overall, Amplifest was an amazing night for both WGMU Radio and the local bands that were celebrated. 

Sam Douglas/Fourth Estate

BY SAM DOUGLAS, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

On April 17, the Board of Visitors met in Merten Hall to discuss a proposed resolution that would overhaul the university’s Office of Access, Compliance, and Community (OACC). If passed, the resolution would dissolve several OACC programs.

The packed audience full of faculty and students watched on, some holding signs, as the Board’s Academic Programs, Diversity, and University Committee (APDUC) debated the resolution.

The discussion on diversity, equity and inclusion started with the topic of diversity statements. Provost Jim Antony stated that Mason has never required diversity statements, but has not restricted them.

“In the current fiscal year, out of 522 position postings, three had some type of request for a diversity statement,” he said before denying diversity statements being accounted for in promotion and tenure decisions.

Committee Chair Lindsey Burke gave opening comments on the proposed “RESOLUTION OF GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY REGARDING THE PRESIDENTIAL EXECUTIVE ORDER ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION.”

“The big picture here is that DEI has perverted the highest purpose of the university, the relentless pursuit of truth,” Burke said. “Our peer institutions like the University of Virginia, James Madison University, VCU and Virginia Tech have already dispensed with DEI. It is time that we take action,” Burke ended.

Vice Rector Mike Meese disagreed, saying that while some parts of the resolution were necessary, Mason had not used race or ethnicity in admissions since 2007. “If we do need a resolution, that resolution oughta accurately reflect all of what we have learned as a board over the last year plus and where we should be going in the future,” Meese said.

Faculty Representative Melissa Broeckelman-Post stated that Mason is already enacting a majority of clauses listed in the resolution,“One of the fundamental differences that I think is important to address is how we define DEI and what we mean when we say the words diversity, equity and inclusion.” Broeckelman-Post said, “because the definitions you gave do not reflect the way we use that language at Mason.”

Faculty Representative Solon Simmons stressed that many of the professors do not support the resolution. He estimated that 90% of the faculty were against the resolution.

Mason’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors released a statement the week before, condemning the resolution and held a kiosk on Wilkins Plaza after the BOV meeting. Student Body President Maria Cuesta also released a statement against the resolution.

Sam Douglas/Fourth Estate

Economics professor Bryan Caplan was invited to speak by Visitor Burke. When he reached the podium, a member of the crowd spoke aloud, “why does he get to speak?”

Sam Douglas/Fourth Estate

Caplan, a vocal proponent for the resolution, compared DEI to McCarthyism.

“There’s no sign that my differing perspective, that this is a McCarthyian witch hunt, is included,” Caplan said, referring to Mason’s DEI policies, which he likened to loyalty oaths used during the Red Scare.

“I’m not quite sure why the history of McCarthyism is relevant to this,” Meese responded, “I think channeling through the faculty senate would have been a more appropriate way to deal with it.”

President Gregory Washington also did not agree on the handling of the discussion. 

“I do believe this whole discussion is about inclusivity, equity, fairness. If the board was going to allow this faculty member to speak, the inclusive and [equitable] thing would have been to allow another faculty member on the other side [to speak]. Everybody else speaking here is a part of this particular body and we allowed one person to speak and not the others. That is not the Mason way,” Washington said.

Sam Douglas/Fourth Estate

Visitor Cooper argued that Caplan’s testimony was necessary, as he didn’t feel the viewpoint of the estimated 10% of faculty who are for the resolution was spoken for.

After the meeting, the proposed resolution was revised to reflect the meeting’s discussion. It will be voted on at the full board meeting on May 1.

Viviana Smith/ Fourth Estate

BY VIVIANA SMITH, SENIOR STAFF WRITER

On Feb. 6, Mason’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) announced their fundraising initiative, Give Voice, to renovate the Center for the Arts (CFA) on the Fairfax campus.

Give Voice, part of Mason’s first “one-billion-dollar comprehensive fundraising campaign,” hopes to raise $35 million to “modernize” the center into a “state-of-the-art venue.” The entire project, known as the “Center for the Arts reimagination project,” totals an estimated cost of $70 million dollars to complete.

Since 1990, the Center for the Arts has been a bustling epicenter for events and performances presented by various Mason colleges and acts as a host for arts organizations outside of Mason. According to their website, “each year, the Center welcomes hundreds of thousands of community members into its nearly 2,000-seat Concert Hall.”

According to the Give Voice information page, the expansion is necessary because the CFA “is no longer a match for the growth and evolution [Mason has] experienced.” The plan involves: reconstructing the Concert hall, remodeling the lobby, revamping the ticket office and reception area, constructing a new donor lounge, creating new studios and classrooms and updating equipment and other operations. 

The reconstruction of the space would improve the long-standing technical and accessibility issues, acoustics for performances and the overall audience-experience. 

The Center for the Arts has been a large part of Mason’s culture ever since former Mason First Lady Joanne Johnson’s efforts to boost the arts on campus during her husband’s university presidency. “With the Center of the Arts, I think you’ve really enriched the community in terms of its appreciation of the arts, and that’s something we didn’t have before,” Barry Dewberry, lead benefactor of the initiative said in a Mason-produced video for the initiative. 

The boost for the arts reignited in April 2022 from a $10 million donation to Give Voice from Dewberry and Arlene Evans. The continuous support for the renovation of the arts is said to be a push in supporting “student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship.”

While the project is expected to take about 16 months to complete, construction won’t begin until funding reaches the $35 million threshold, according to Rick Davis, Dean of Mason’s College of Visual and Performing Arts. The project has raised about $18 million to date, which is a little over half of their eight-figure goal.  

“We have just begun (as of late April) an extensive planning study to determine the overall concept of the renovation or “reimagination,” Davis said in an emailed interview.

In the 2012 College of Visual & Performing Arts Facilities Master Plan, details of the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ future projects and initiatives mirrored the community’s need for renovations to performance centers on campus. 

Davis explained that the study-in-progress will provide updated details about the estimated cost of the project. 

Once the renovation begins, the Center will be “offline” for a little over one academic year in total, Davis shared. While the Center space will be under construction, accommodations will be made to keep student and other performance schedules in place, by using available venue spaces on and near the Fairfax and SciTech campuses.

“We will also maintain at least a portion of the Great Performances at Mason series, adjusting it for the capacities of the available venues and our sense of how adventurous our audience will be to travel around a bit,” Davis said.

Updates for the renovation can be followed through CFA’s email list, available for sign up on their website. 

(Brian A. Hayum/ Fourth Estate)

BY BRIAN A. HAYUM, STAFF WRITER

On April 10, the George Mason Land Use and Finance Committee approved an amended motion in a 3-1 vote that, if approved by the board on May 1, raises mandatory student fees by $96. The original proposal also included a 2.5% tuition increase, but the amendment, proposed by Board Secretary Armand Alacbay, would delay the tuition increase until fiscal year (FY) 2027. Visitors Robert Pence, Armand Alacbay and Jeffrey A. Rosen voted in favor of  the motion, while Visitor Drew Peterson voted in opposition. 

According to the Office of the Executive Vice President (EVP), the fee supports aspects of student life, specifically, student engagement, recreation, athletics, transportation and health. “These fees are needed to make critical investments in student infrastructure,” said Vice President of Finance Dan Stephens. 

“Without an increase, those might get delayed, and student service levels may be reduced… These additional resources will help us maintain our core mission of access and affordability,” he added.

Recent actions by the Trump administration have raised concerns about the uncertain financial environment that many universities are facing.

 “We are very confident about where we’re headed in FY26, but given this economic uncertainty, we are hoping that you recognize the need to have a steady revenue source,” Stephens said.

 In the past few weeks, President Donald Trump has frozen federal funds for several universities across the country, and has threatened to remove tax-exempt status from schools such as Harvard. 

“We are operating in an environment of almost unprecedented financial uncertainty – arguably greater than the pandemic,” read one presentation slide. 

Student representatives Carolyn Faith Hoffman and Maria Alejandra Romero Cuesta expressed their support for the student fee increase. 

“I do worry about the potential for federal or state funds to be pulled,” Hoffman said, citing that an internal source of revenue could potentially offset any loss from the potential loss of funds. 

Maria Alejandra Romero Cuesta, the undergraduate student representative, agreed with Hoffman. “I think that an increase is necessary,” Cuesta said. “We need to understand that this political climate affects enrollment,” she added. 

Mason’s international reputation is another uncertainty that may affect enrollment and, consequently, finances. “I know there is a lot of fear out there in the international community,” Faculty Representative Mohan Venigalla said. “I would be remiss to think that international enrollments will be as robust as they were this year,” 

Nylah Mitchell/Fourth Estate

BY NYLAH MITCHELL, COPY EDITOR

The end-of-the-year celebration has finally arrived, with Mason Day occuring Friday, April 25, at 3 p.m. in Lots A and L. Mason Day features amusement rides, carnival delicacies, and an all-day concert. 

It feels like Coachella has reached the Fairfax Campus. Though the yearly festival ended days ago, the boho chic outfits don’t have to stay in the Valley. Sure, a basic t-shirt and jean shorts are appropriate for the occasion, but why not go the extra mile to add some accessories or different styles? Regardless of the boat you land in, here are some cool, Coachella-esque outfits for Mason Day. 

Keeping it classic

Sticking to the basics? A white tee and baggy jeans are the way to go for any casual event. However, while the classic outfit is perfect, adding a satin scarf either tied atop of the head, around the neck, or threaded through the jeans’ belt loops. The scarf elevates the street look with dashes of elegance and spunk. Further, the look is completed with sneakers like Onitsuka Tiger, Salomon, and New Balance 550s.  

Short dresses above all else 

It’s a warm day with highs in the 70s, it’s an absolute must to consider a mini dress. Babydoll dresses, in particular, are perfect for the weather, with a short overall length and flowy skirt(s). These dresses are best styled with riding boots— sporting a flat bottom, riding boots are comfortable for walking and standing around—and a cropped cardigan or a jean jacket. 

Linen for the weather 

The time of the year is here for flowy, maxi skirts. A breathable linen skirt is perfect for Mason Day, easy to style with any sort of top. For the ultimate spring-summer look, dress the skirt with a tank and cardigan, or switch to a graphic baby tee. The outfit is perfect when styled with ballet flats, chunky sneakers and riding boots.  

Keeping it masc

A more masculine fit can include an oversized or waist-length graphic tee and loose straight jeans accessorized with chains. For a denim-on-denim look, add an unbuttoned denim button-down shirt to have a light layer for the breeze. The outfit can’t go wrong with a trucker hat, with a plastered logo from your favorite baseball or basketball team. This works best with sneakers, Birkenstock Boston clogs, and cowboy boots. 

Dressing in some Patriot pride

Patriot pride is forever in style. It’s Mason Day, after all, so why not go for university merch paired with a mini denim skirt, dad jeans, or loose-fit jean shorts? Or, try going for a cropped look by snipping off a couple of inches of the Mason tee, or cut the neckline to achieve an off-shoulder touch. However, if you’re like me, go for a baby tee look by buying a children’s size top to get a more fitted silhouette. Any shoes work effortlessly with this outfit as long as it’s comfortable for festival activities.

(Courtesy of Miranda Hanlon)

BY NYLAH MITCHELL, COPY EDITOR

Cool air circulates as the newest building on Mason’s Fairfax campus welcomes students. With floor-to-ceiling glass windows, polished concrete and sleek panels, the new building feels adjacent to a tech incubator or a futuristic airport terminal. In many ways, it’s impressive, but there’s a lingering frigidness. 

Mason is no stranger to the modern, high-tech architectural designs, with projects like the Fuse Building and the Activities Building signaling an innovation-focused vision. However, as construction accelerates, Mason’s new identity begins to lack the character that makes campus feel more than just square footage and photo-ops. 

The Fuse at Mason Square in Arlington, Virginia, is nearing the ‘closeout’ stage, with interior designs still being sketched. This innovative building featuring state-of-the-art laboratories boasts an exterior of slanted steel paneling, a caved corner balcony and green-space rooftop. Meanwhile, the new Activities Building on West Campus is still in  the design development phase, where planning structural systems and visual scales are crucial. 

Though these buildings are on two different campuses, both projects reflect a larger aesthetic that is also occurring at other schools. For instance, Virginia Tech recently opened the Academic One Building, featuring geometric paneling and tech-forward vibe, at their new Innovation Campus in Potomac Yard. 

Both Mason and Virginia Tech seem to be aligning their construction efforts with Arlington’s tech hub, positioning themselves as research universities with sleek, future-facing designs. However, there’s a disruption to the nearby historic neighborhoods that emphasize a colonial aesthetic. 

“I like the contemporary architecture because I think it sends a message that Mason is about the future,” said Professor Lisa Bauman, who teaches ‘Introduction to Architecture,’at Mason.

“We have a lot of embedded ideas in America about what college is supposed to look like… We’ve all watched Harry Potter, seen movies set at Harvard or Yale with ivy-covered stone. Then students come here and see brick and steel—and they’re disappointed. We should explore why that is.”

Professor Bauman acknowledges the vision and disconnect because of the emotional and cultural expectations that come with change, especially on campuses we live and study at. Embracing innovation while holding onto those supposed realities is truly at the crux of Mason designing new spaces. 

(Courtesy of Miranda Hanlon)

But a common pattern emerging with the buildings are the color schemes that fall into modern defaults—slate grey, black, white—with a dash of green and gold. At first glance, buildings like Horizon Hall are “cool” because they’re new and refreshing. But after walking past another brick-and-steel structure, the novelty wears off.  

The architecture, then, lacks a sense of place, rootedness, emotional attachment—a nod to Mason’s Virginian roots or complex colonial context. Minutes away, the brick-lined colonial charm in Old Town Fairfax remains—where is the rich integration?  

It’s why Bauman’s point is reinforced when students often gravitate towards Virginia Tech or even UVA’s stone architecture, not just because of traditionalism, but rather its timeless aspect. Even if Mason were to go full-throttle with the modern design, the fieldhouse-like Activities Building, with its glass ceiling, could’ve married form and function—modern, yet playful and radiant. 

As Mason expands and designs in the same style, the campuses start to feel more like Silicon Valley than as a school near the nation’s capital. Then again, Mason doesn’t need Gothic revival towers. However, it should embrace elements that mix heritage with innovation: arched brickwork or textured stone. Mason’s mission thrives on and celebrates differences in diversity and inclusivity. The architecture should reflect those values, not mute them. 

Mason’s new buildings are undeniably stepping into the future—but they shouldn’t disregard the stories, cultures, and history that have surrounded and shaped the campus. The next design chapter should be as reflective as it is innovative. 

Melanie Jensen/Fourth Estate

BY MELANIE JENSEN, STAFF WRITER

One of Mason’s longest-standing traditions, Mason Day, returns this Friday, April 25, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Lots L and A. The beloved end-of-year celebration hosts live music, carnival rides, games, food trucks and more for students and faculty to enjoy and recharge before final exams. 

Admission is free for all Mason students and faculty with a valid Mason ID. Attendees will only have to whip out their wallets if they choose to purchase from one of the 15 lined up food and drink vendors. One guest pass per Mason community member is available for $35 and can be purchased at the EagleBank Arena box office before or during the event. 

“I describe Mason Day as the event that happens when the doors open and school is over in the movie ‘Grease,’” said Lauren Long, Director of Student Involvement. “It is a big carnival, music and food festival.” 

The event is co-coordinated by the Office of Student Involvement and the Patriot Activities Council, the student-run organization responsible for planning events across campus. According to Long, it’s the only event that every member of Student Involvement helps organize. Some planning, such as booking musical guests, begins nearly a year in advance.  

Several student performers–including Anderson White, Adrenalina, Elijah Cyler and MSN– will take the stage beginning at 3:25 p.m. Pop artist MAX, known for his hits like “Lights Down Low” and “Love Me Less,” is set to headline on the main stage at 7 p.m. 

While Mason Day is known for its live music and exciting headliners, this year’s expansion was designed to reflect the growing student population. Organizers introduced additional food vendors and a variety of entertainment options to ensure every attendee finds something to enjoy. 

A new area called the Novelty Nook will offer activities like gem mining, slime making, stuff-a-plush and license plate decorating, giving students an interactive way to take home Mason Day memorabilia. Mini-golf, laser tag and a gaming truck for e-sport fans are also new additions to the lineup of midway and carnival games featured in previous years.

Artist Alley, opening at 4:30 p.m. will feature  speed-sketch caricature artists, airbrush tattoos, face painting and balloon twisters. Long explained that Student Involvement expanded the 2025 games and novelty sections to accommodate the growing attendance rates of between 6,000 to 8,000 people.

Fan favorite carnival attractions like Cole Shows Amusement Company—including the Himalaya, the Sizzler and the Rainforest Expo Wheel–will be returning alongside loyal Mason Day food partners like Domino’s and Rita’s Italian Ice.

Phil McDaniel, associate director of Fraternity and Sorority Life for Student Involvement, is responsible for organizing food vendors and trucks for the event. McDaniel said this year’s food lineup is the most Mason has ever had, and the variety is meant to reflect the diverse student population. A new addition to the vendors include Fireside Kabob, a local Afghan food truck that travels across Northern Virginia. 

Mason Day takes place rain or shine, and whether students are looking for a place to listen to live music, play games with friends or connect with professors over drinks and snacks, the celebration has something for everybody.

“It’s about coming together as a community, it’s about creating memories, and continuing to build on a sense of belonging. This is our school, this is our tradition, and this is our fun that other schools don’t have,” Long said.  

Saahiti Kiran Chamala/Fourth Estate

BY SAAHITI KIRAN CHAMALA, CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

If you’ve scrolled through TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen the viral Dubai chocolate bar making waves among dessert lovers. And if you’re looking to try the sweet sensation without hopping on a plane, Lily’s Chocolate and Coffee is the place to go. With locations in Vienna and Alexandria, Lily’s is a must-visit spot for chocolate lovers, offering a unique menu and an Instagram-worthy aesthetic.

Lily’s Vienna location is about 20 minutes from Mason. While there are no direct Mason shuttle buses to the café, you can take the Gold 2 bus to the Vienna Metro Station and transfer to a Fairfax Connector Bus 463 to Maple Avenue and Park Street. From there, it’s just a short two-minute walk.

Stepping into Lily’s, you are instantly immersed in a pink paradise. From the bubblegum-colored walls to the adorable pink swing seating, the entire café is designed for picture-perfect moments. Metal accent tables complement the blush-toned chairs, creating a chic and cozy ambiance that makes Lily’s an ideal spot for coffee dates, casual hangouts or late night sweet treats. 

According to Sodko Tsegmid, an employee at Lily’s, the most popular items are the TikTok-famous Dubai chocolate bar and the Dubai chocolate-covered strawberries. Another fan favorite is the Lockma, which Tsegmid describes as “fried dough balls dipped in different kinds of chocolates and covered with garnish.”

The chocolate Lockma was the perfect blend of warm, gooey chocolate generously drizzled over crisp fried dough balls and topped with finely chopped pistachios. The rich cocoa flavor balanced with the nutty crunch made for a satisfying bite. Lockma is available in three portion sizes: five, eight or 18 pieces.

If you prefer coffee, Tsegmid highlights the pistachio latte and the Spanish latte as Lily’s standout drinks. Tsegmid commented that the Spanish latte comes with espresso, vanilla syrup and condensed milk, making it a sweet and creamy choice for coffee lovers.

Tsegmid’s personal favorites are the pistachio Lockma and the white chocolate-covered strawberries. 

Saahiti Kiran Chamala/Fourth Estate

“I’m addicted to chocolate-covered strawberries. People think chocolate-covered strawberries are a Valentine’s Day thing, but no, it’s an everyday thing,” said Mason sophomore Taylor Jackson.

Jackson loved the classic chocolate-covered strawberries while acknowledging the price tag. “It is on the pricier side, so it’s a monthly thing, not something I would get regularly, but I like Lily’s,” she said.

Not all menu items were a hit for everyone. Kayla Smalls, a sophomore at Mason, had mixed feelings. “I got the hot chocolate, and it wasn’t even that good. It burned my tongue and wasn’t worth it,” she said. “I stole a chocolate-covered strawberry from my friend, and that was good. The strawberries were juicy and delicious, I would recommend that.”

Beyond its desserts, Lily’s also reflects the heartwarming journey of its founders. Co-owner Saifalden Alobaidi shared how the café was born out of a dream during quarantine in 2020. “Lily, my sister, always had this idea of opening her own coffee shop,” he said. “She used to set up tea tables at summer camp, and later at family gatherings, people would remember the way she made tea.”

After immigrating from Iraq and moving around various states, Saif and Lily eventually landed in Virginia. “We both got COVID-19 and were quarantined for 15 days. That’s when we started brainstorming the idea seriously,” Saif said. “After quarantine, I found a location, signed the lease, and built everything from scratch. My background is in civil engineering, so I designed the interior myself.”

One of their most unique offerings is the Iraqi dessert, Lockma. “Traditionally, it’s fried dough covered in sugar syrup and pistachios,” Saif explained. “But we added an American twist—filling them with chocolate, vanilla, or Biscoff and covering them in different types of chocolate. It became a hit.”

The success of Lily’s, however, wasn’t just luck. “When we opened, one woman came in with five kids. We offered them coffee and desserts for free, and she wrote a glowing Facebook post with pictures,” he said. “In the next couple of days, we had a line of over 100 people at our door.”

Saif’s personal favorite? The salted caramel latte with vanilla. “It was my dad’s favorite drink, and since he passed, it’s really stayed with me,” he said. 

One of the best things about Lily’s is its late-night hours, making it a great option for an evening dessert run. The café is open until 11 p.m. on weekends and 10 p.m. on weekdays, with doors opening at 10 a.m. daily.

While Lily’s is on the expensive side, it’s worth a visit for those looking to indulge in viral chocolate treats. If you’re craving the Dubai chocolate experience without leaving Northern Virginia, this pink-themed café is a great option.

BY BARRETT BALZER, NEWS EDITOR

On April 15, President Washington’s office sent a campus-wide email confirming recent reports, detailed in Axios, regarding the visa statuses of international students at George Mason. 

The confirmation follows President Trump’s executive orders, signed on Jan. 20, declaring a national security emergency over immigration processing, requiring a more enhanced vetting screening of immigrants seeking citizenship. 

Following the executive orders, international students and faculties across the nation have had their visas revoked along with being detained and facing deportation threats. On March 8, Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia graduate and pro-Palestine advocate, was, reportedly, named the first student to have their green card revoked, and later detained and arrested. 

The email read, “George Mason University has learned that the U.S. Government has terminated and/or revoked student visas of 15 international students.” 

“To be clear, we played no role in facilitating these visa terminations. We have not shared confidential student visa status or immigration information with federal authorities.”

The email outlined the steps Mason is taking to assist the affected students. “First, our Office of International Programs and Services (OIPS) is in direct contact with the affected students to provide them with support and additional external resources.” 

“Second, students are being advised to contact their academic dean to see what options they may have to complete their coursework. The Provost’s Office is encouraging faculty to work with students who may be found in these situations, providing as much flexibility as possible.”

“And third, the university has reached out to the appropriate federal authorities to learn what process is being used to identify students for revocations. So far, no answers have been given. We are also seeking appropriate legal clarity from legal support referred to us by the state Attorney General’s Office.”

“To our 4,000 international students and our 36,000 American students, we care about your well-being, and we are doing everything possible to maintain a stable, positive scholarly environment for you. We will keep you updated as events warrant,” ended the email addressed to the student body. 

Other universities in Virginia, such as VCU, Virginia Tech and UVA, were also listed to revoke international visas without warning. 

Student Body President Maria Cuesta and Vice President Colin McAulay posted an Instagram statement regarding travel and immigration concerns set by Mason OIPS. 

“Stay informed about possible travel bans. No bans are currently in place, but policies can change rapidly. Monitor updates to see if your country may be affected.

“Expect possible delays in visa processing if you plan to renew your visa while abroad. Interviews may be harder to schedule and processing times longer.

“Be mindful of re-entry risks. Most F-1 and J-1 students can re-enter the U.S. without issue, but entry is ultimately up to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).”

At the end of her statement, Cuesta said, “We’re here. We matter. We belong”

(Courtesy of K.Photozz)

BY VIVIANA SMITH, SENIOR STAFF WRITER

If you hear eclectic afrobeats and the cheer of excited audiences, chances are The Black Mambas are performing. Mason’s Black Mambas dance team has been around for 10 years, bringing the heat to many events on and off campus with their mixed style of afrobeats and majorette-inspired moves. 

According to their Mason360 profile, their mission is “to share African culture through the art of dance, and promote physical wellness.” At their performances, the spread of African culture and joy is undeniable, as audience members can’t help but cheer and dance along. They’re a crowd favorite, as seen by their win for “People’s Choice” and “Girl Scouts Choice” at the 2025 International Week (iWeek) dance competition. 

Aside from the love they receive from the crowd, the Black Mambas seem to share even more love from within. 

Their fast-paced and perfected performances are strengthened by their daily practices. Freshman Black Mambas’ dancer Whitney Cardwell shared that the team continuously sharpens their routines during practice. Though it sounds tough, when practice starts, it’s mostly smiles and laughter as they rehearse. 

“We never have a practice without laughing or some type of joke that we make,” Cardwell said. “It really feels like a good community within the girls. I genuinely think of them as like my sisters.” 

Sophomore Janice Champnkem shared that there’s never an awkward moment with the group. “We get along really well… we’re just a big family,” she said. 

For the Black Mambas’ President, junior Esther Gibson, holding the family together is both rewarding and sometimes challenging. Gibson shared that breaking people out of their shells is difficult, but welcoming new members into the family is what they do best. “The way we love each other, the way we care for each other,” she said. “I don’t like to think of us as a team, it’s more.”

Gibson shared that it can be a struggle to balance being a leader, friend and student, but “it’s hard to feel any kind of negative emotions” about the pressures because of the strong community around her. “They’re great people, great work ethic, great students, great dancers, great everything,” she said with a smile. The familial bond brings out the best in the dancers, with some sharing how they’ve grown in their self-confidence as well as their skills. 

Champnkem shared that she always loved to dance, but never knew how to put the right moves together on her own. After being convinced to join the team, the Black Mambas helped build her up from the basics. Champnkem believes it’s the camaraderie that encouraged her. 

Cardwell said this community makes her feel welcomed. “Especially as a freshman, it’s sometimes hard to kind of find your people and get out of your comfort zone,” she said. “With them, I was able to do that easily…being able to do that made me feel better about myself.”

The confidence was beaming from each member—probably because the Black Mambas are still reliving the high of their two wins at the iWeek dance competition. “It literally felt amazing… when I heard the crowd shouting, ‘big mambas…’ I was like ‘what’,” Gibson said. “ I wish I could relive that.”

For Champnkem, the iWeek performance was her first performance with the team. “Our hard work and dedication, we practiced everyday…it was so smooth,” she said. 

“Sometimes it’s truly not about that first or second place win. It’s about how we make the audience feel,” Cardwell said. “It’s nice when we see that we’ve impacted somebody else.”

The process of joining the Black Mambas is competitive, according to Gibson, but she encourages those who are willing to be their most authentic self to try out. The team is full of dancers who add their own flavor to each move, shared Gibson, so there’s always room for a new flow. 

“Don’t be afraid,” Cardwell urged any newcomers. “You never truly truly know until you just do it.” Cardwell insists that the Black Mambas—rather “sisters”—are here to help one another each dance step of the way. 

Chris Torres/Fourth Estate

BY CHRIS TORRES, STAFF WRITER

George Mason men’s volleyball fell to Penn State, 3-2, in five sets on Saturday evening, April 12, at the Recreation Athletic Complex. The Patriots have lost five straight matches and sit with a conference record of 4-6. 

Senior outside hitter Giomar Collazo led the Patriots with 17 kills and four service aces; junior middle blocker Evan Snodgrass had a career high 15 kills on the evening. Senior setter Troy McDonald led the team with 45 assists. On the defensive side, freshman libero Stef Kins led the team with 11 digs and junior middle blocker Elijah Lazor had four total blocks. 

In the first set, Penn State held an early control. Seven of the Nittany Lions’ first 10 points were errors by Mason. The Patriots were able to stay in the set thanks to kills by Collazo, Snodgrass and sophomore outside hitter Robert Evangelista. 

Mason took the lead midway in the first set at 17-16 and had a set point at 24-22. The Nittany Lions prevented two Patriot set points and tied it at 24-24. Penn State took advantage and won two straight points to win the set, 26-24. 

The Patriots got off to a better start in the second set, as the trio of Snodgrass, Evangelista and sophomore opposite hitter Jackson Herbert each registered multiple kills to spark the offense. With the score at 23-23, Collazo got a kill and forced an attack error to win the set for the Patriots, 25-23.  

The Patriots fell into a hole early in the third set, down 11-3. Penn State sophomore Matthew Luoma, who finished the match with 17 kills, powered the Nittany Lions in the third set to a 22-18 lead with six kills. The Patriots went on a 4-0 run to tie the match at 22-22 and put pressure on Penn State. 

A wild run ensued, during which Collazo and Penn State senior Will Kuhns exchanged points back and forth, giving both teams an opportunity to win the set. The Patriots prevailed in the intense duel, winning the crucial third set 31-29, due to attack errors by the Nittany Lions. 

The fourth ran the longest of the match, with 62 points disputed. Each team had several exchanges with one another until Penn State took control and created a set point at 24-20. Collazo got three kills to tie the set at 24-24. 

The Patriots had four match points to close out the Nittany Lions but three service errors occurred on the critical points needed. A kill by Kuhns, who led Penn State with 18 in the match, sealed the fourth set for the Nittany Lions, 32-30.

In the fifth set, neither team could build an early lead as they exchanged points up until a timeout called by Mason with the score tied 8-8. The Nittany Lions went on a 7-4 run to set up their first match point of the night. Kuhns took advantage and served an ace to win the set, 15-12, and win the match for Penn State. 

Up next for the Patriots are two home matches against the University of Charleston on Friday, April 18 and Saturday, April 19, streaming on ESPN+. 

Sam Douglas/Fourth Estate

BY SAM DOUGLAS, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

On Saturday morning at Mason Stadium, April 12, the Patriots fell 15-8 to the Rhode Island Rams after being unable to keep up a hot start momentum from their five goal score in the first quarter. 

In the “It Only Takes One” Fentanyl Awareness game, Mason ended the first quarter with a 5-3 lead, but were held off the board in the second quarter by Rhode Island’s defense. Mason was only able to score three goals total in the second half. 

Rhode Island started out steady with three goals in each of the first three quarters of the game. The game was still close halfway into the fourth quarter with Rhode Island hanging onto a 10-8 lead, but the Rams scored five goals in the last six minutes of the game to pull away.

Junior midfielders Kaitlyn Bestick, Dahlia Trippel and Kate Anders each scored two alongside freshman attacker Catherine Pollard and junior midfielder Riley Ellis each scoring one goal for Mason.

The win pushes Rhode Island’s record to 7-7 overall and 3-5 in A-10 play during their inaugural season. Mason falls to 6-9 overall and 1-7 in conference.

Present at the game was Virginia First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin, an advocate of fentanyl awareness. Before the game, Youngkin was named an honorary captain and presented with a ceremonial lacrosse stick during the pregame festivities.

Youngkin had previously stopped by Mason in October to talk to student athletes, including the women’s lacrosse team, about her “It Only Takes One” campaign, which aims to spread awareness about the dangers of the drug fentanyl.

The loss effectively ends Mason’s chances of making the A-10 tournament, as they fall to three games behind current six seed Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) with two games left of the season. Rhode Island rises to seventh in the standings, and their match-up with VCU on April 26 could have major implications for the sixth team in the A10 tournament.

Mason will play La Salle at Mason Stadium on April 19, before closing out the season in Amherst against UMass on April 26.

(Photo provided by Boyd-Applbaum campaign)

BY SAM DOUGLAS, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

[Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.]

Q: Can you introduce yourself? What year are you in, and what’s your major?

Jae Boyd (JB): I am currently a third-year major in government and international politics with a minor in political communication.

I am currently the president and founder of the Women in Law Association, we are going into our third year. I also served in a bunch of committees regarding student conduct, whether it would be honor committee, residential board, and I have also served on the writing across curriculum committee. I got appointed to secretary of academics in August 2024, so I only have six months of student government experience under my belt.

Why are you qualified to be student body president?

JB: I think I am qualified to be student body president because I am coming with a different experience. No shade to anybody that is running, but I feel as people coming from an RSO (registered student organization) background and a university committee background, we have a more diverse perspective. You have to know when students are not gonna be busy to pop up at a kiosk, know times around the Johnson Center where there is foot traffic, know what events attract students. I feel like a lot of people came into Student Government when they were a freshman and all they know is that type of mindset, not realizing you have to tailor to students. It is not supposed to be the other way around. 

I think that is what makes me more qualified because I am bringing a diverse experience. I could say student government has helped because you get to learn administrators, you get to learn the people that are in Merten. But as far as actually learning how to sit down and talk to students, I think my RSO and university committee experience is my advantage in this.

Why should Mason students vote for you?

JB: One thing I can say is that I am a person that stands on actions, not words. One of the things I was very disappointed about how performative Student Government is. People will say key words like, “oh, we are going to outreach students,” but how are you going to outreach to students? 

I feel like Mason students should vote for change. They should vote for somebody who is actually going to set achievable and attainable goals. We should be more collaborative with RSOs. We should connect students to administrators. And I have done that with the small amount of power and time in that organization. I feel as though if students really want change, they should vote for me, not just people that say words or can articulate a certain way. We need somebody who is going to fully change. I have even vouched for some of the other candidates just in case I lose, that I think would actually set forth that change.

What sets you apart from the other three tickets?

JB: Being collaborative with RSOs. Last Sunday, April 13, was YardFest, and I was tabling with my organization. I realized as I was talking to other RSOs, whether it would be academic, cultural, community, I am the first candidate that has spoken to them, spoken to certain aspects of fraternity and sorority Life. Hearing their comments about how I am the first person to speak to them, I am like, that is an issue.

Seeing Student Government individuals only during campaign season—that is an issue. And I feel like I am the only person that is willing to change. Even during the debate, I could not really articulate well because I was having a health issue, but I was trying to make a point of, you all have been in the organization for a year, two years, three years. You all could not make a smaller change, especially with outreach if you guys really wanted to. It should not take someone that wants to run for presidency to go, “Oh, let’s go reach out to all of the cultural RSOs,” like no, they have already been here. I feel like my campaign being more transformative, not transactional, sets it apart from the other three candidates. I do like some of the things that they are doing. However, I feel as though we can’t progress and be unified if students feel left out.

If elected student body president, what is the first thing you are going to do in office?

JB: The first thing I am going to do is start sending emails out to all organizations. And like I said, I think if I get elected, we have to build community ties and we have to amend those that we have hurt in the past. The first thing I am going to do is make sure I get mass emails out to all organizations so they know this is the president, this is the vice president, this is what the administration looks like, because I am going to be really transparent with this new structure of student government. You need somebody that is actually going to want to push for change. It can be so easy to fall into what we have been going through, where students feel like their voices are not being heard. A lot of students just want to feel like they are connected on campus and I feel Student Government perpetuates separating people on campus.

If you are elected, how do you see the school being different at this time next year?

JB: I know a lot of the other candidates have thrown out that they worked in D.C. I also have an internship in D.C., but I do not feel that it is important for what we are trying to do here. But seeing everything that is going on with higher education, if I am elected, I hope that by this time next year, I leave Mason a little bit more unified. I went into Student Government thinking I was going to make a better change for my community. I might have done some parts of it, but I realized certain leaders on campus are saying they have not had a conversation with the president or vice president since last year, and that is honestly terrifying. We need to be unified because there is strength in numbers. Let us come together instead of separating. 

There is a lot of pressure on Mason right now, both from the Board of Visitors as well as the federal government. How do you plan to address that as president?

JB: Strength in numbers. The criticism right now is you do not have initiatives, you just want to build relationships. But realistically, when there are times like a student leader on campus who wants to meet with President Washington, I use my resources to get him that meeting.

That is why I keep going back to building relationships and having unity on campus. It should not just be the president leaving the fight. It should be everybody leading the fight and compromising and wanting to get to this big goal.

Anything else students should know about you, your campaign, or your plans?

JB: I want students to know that I want to truly win based off of merit. I know there are a lot of things going on, especially in D.C., but I do not want people to look at me as Jae, the Black girl; Jae, the first-gen student; Jae, the person that is coming from a certain economic status. I want people to see Jae was a good leader who tried her hardest to not give up.

What is one fun fact about you that students should know before they cast your vote?

JB: I feel like everybody knows I am from New York. But I will say, past the aggressive exteriors, I do genuinely care and fight. If my mom was here, she would say I am the most selfless person you would meet. I always put people before me. And I think that is what the students need. They need somebody that is going to put them before themselves and not look at student government as a law school resume builder.

(Photo provided by the Johnston-Lincoln campaign)

BY SAM DOUGLAS, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

[Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.]

Q: Can you introduce yourself? What year are you in, and what’s your major?

Zach Lincoln (ZL): This is my second year here at Mason, I am a junior, and major in public administration.

Why are you qualified to be the student body vice president?

ZL: I will be completely honest, this all happened in the course of maybe two or three weeks. A month ago, I did not think I would be running for this. My running mate and I started seeing the problems that Student Government is having. We feel like we could be representing the people better, both in terms of reaching out to people and making sure everyone, no matter who you are or where you come from or what you believe in, is welcome at the table. I do not think that is the case with Student Government right now. That is ultimately why we decided to run and also hopefully we can use our platforms if we win to focus on the things that impact students day to day lives, like dining or housing, or in my case today, class registration.

Why should Mason students vote for you?

ZL: Right now, Student Government is in the midst of restructuring themselves. I am not sure that the majority of our student body knows what our student government does in the first place and that they restructured. This whole process was in the course of the semester, and in my opinion was done behind closed doors without the input of the students that they seek to represent, so most of them do not know.

The advantage with that is this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change the way student government operates, change our culture, make sure we are actually doing the things we say we are. If I am elected, I would love to have a student government that means what we say and says what we mean.

What sets you apart from the other three candidates?

ZL: I think it is our life experience that sets us apart mostly. Evelyn [Johnston] and I are relatively new to the Senate as opposed to two of the other candidates running. Those two were involved in the restructure process, so they probably know more about that than we do. We know how Student Government works, how it operates, we have that experience, but we are not entrenched. We are new enough to be the new voice of leadership, the new generation that I think Mason needs.

If elected student body president, what is the first thing you are going to do in office?

ZL: I would say the first thing we would do is start reaching out to people. There are a lot of people that I have talked to that have been left behind by Student Government, not just this year, but in years past. This is, again, a generational issue. Making those connections again would be the first thing I would do, because I want everyone at the table, no matter where you are at Mason. If you want to be part of this, if you want a seat at the table, we will give it to you.

If you are elected, how do you see the school being different at this time next year?

ZL: I would love to say a lot of our facilities issues that we are campaigning on would be different, but the burden of that is up to the university. But Student Government can use our position and platform to advocate for that change.

I can not say for sure what the school would look like in a year’s time. A lot could change, like you have seen federally. The way I would measure my success at the end of this is if people are happier here, if this is a place people want to be and they find community.

There is a lot of pressure on Mason right now, both from the Board of Visitors as well as the federal government. How do you plan to address that as vice president?

ZL: The federal administration is threatening, or in some cases for other colleges, have completely pulled federal funding. We need that federal funding to make sure students here get the same opportunities as they did in January, just to make sure we survive as an institution. But at the same time, we should not compromise where we stand, on making sure that we are indeed all together different. We welcome all students, no matter who you are or you have been in life, or what you believe.

Anything else students should know about you, your campaign, or your plans?

ZL: I would love to be more transparent with the students. Maybe look at doing weekly town halls or newsletters and not just have it in Merten Hall or somewhere, but broadcast it on social media. So any Mason student, whether they are here or somewhere else abroad, can see what their student government is doing, and how they are fighting for them.

What is one fun fact about you that students should know before they cast your vote?

ZL: I played violin for ten years now. This fall, I was in the Mason Concert Orchestra. I left because I got an internship with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center this semester. It has been a dream of mine.

(Photo provided by the Sheikholeslami-Bell campaign)

BY SAM DOUGLAS, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

[Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.]

Q: Can you introduce yourself? What year are you in, and what’s your major?

Ilia Sheikholeslami (IS): I am a third-year at Mason, studying government and international politics with a minor in comparative politics.

Charlotte Bell (CB): I am a senior at Mason, studying government and international politics with a concentration in public policy and public administration.

Why are you qualified to be student body president?

IS: I’ve been in Student Government for almost three years now, serving in multiple positions. First, a senator, the chair of our government community relations committee, and right now, I am the Speaker Pro Tempore… A lot of my work has focused on connecting students with administrators and also giving students the opportunity to be in the decision-making rooms that matter the most.

When I was chair of the government community relations committee last year, I planned our annual Mason Lobbies event. It was our largest one, we brought over 70 students to meet with 30 plus legislators in Richmond. We ended up securing about $8 million in appropriations. Throughout my time in Student Government, I have learned a lot about how this university works, what it takes to get administration to actually listen to students, and also what it takes to get legislators to listen too. 

CB: I have been in this organization two years now. I have been Chair of University Services for the past year and a half. I have really enjoyed the opportunity and think I could do even more for the university, I think I could take a higher leadership position. I also have a history of taking leadership positions as well as taking on training and onboarding. I have taken leadership positions in high school, being a theatre stage manager for two years where I was training about 50 people. Each semester I do a bunch of jobs, so I think I could handle more responsibility and I would be glad to support Ilia. I fully believe that he’d be an amazing president for Mason.

What sets you apart from the other three tickets?

IS: Our experience. We have a lot of experience working and advocating for students to administrators. We know a lot about how this university works.

CB: Not only have both of us been senators in Student Government, we have also both been chairs. Of the other people running… we are the only ones who have been chairs, so we’ve taken the most leadership positions in the Senate. So I think we both have the most experience working with senators and taking the leadership position on the side of student government.

If elected student body president and vice president, what is the first thing you are going to do in office?

IS: First thing we are going to do is get in contact with as many administrators as we can, as many members of the Board of Visitors as we can… Then also getting into contact with as many student groups and organize how we are going to be transparent to students, how we are going to be accessible to students, essentially the first few weeks of our administration for this semester and next semester is going to be focused on research, getting into contact, listening, reaching out, being present and hearing out concerns from students. Our administration is going to be as transparent and accessible as we can. Student government has not done a great job with that in the past, and what we focused on when developing our platform was actually coming up with a plan for every single thing we want to do. So we have plans in place to be able to hit the ground running if we are elected.

CB: A lot of the policies we have for each of our major pillars came from doing outreach with registered student organization leaders and asking them what they wanted from Student Government and what support they are lacking. We really want to be reaching out to all of them and working in collaboration with them, both for events, PR, having the people there and funding-wise to be able to help make the Student Government more of an organization that works on campus with others. We do not need to be putting our name on everything just for us to mean something to the community. It is really about, what can we do to be supporting more and doing better than we have been?

If you are elected, how do you see the school being different at this time next year?

IS: There is already a lot of crazy stuff happening on the federal level that is already impacting our institution. Just on the news, [15] student visas at Mason [were] revoked. There were multiple grants that were cut for students and we are facing more risks to our federal funding because of things like the “Dear Colleague” letter, and the Department of Education being at risk of shutting down. 

CB: We also want to improve accountability with the BOV because in almost all students we talk to, they do not know who the Board of Visitors are, they do not know what they do. They do not even know we have a Board of Visitors. So we really want to make sure that a lot of that information on how these decisions are getting made is something that students can better understand and also so that groups that are protesting against the university for various reasons know who they are actually facing in opposition against.

Anything else students should know about you, your campaign, or your plans?

IS: We have a lot of experience, we know how this university works. And go to BMS (Bring More Setups) every week, Fridays from four to midnight. I want the voters to know that as well.

CB: We truly want to make Mason a better university, and we have both very strongly agreed we are not trying to be politicians promising you anything impractical or unrealistic. We only want to be promising you things we truly believe we can do, and we will work very hard to make sure we do.

What is one fun fact about you that students should know before they cast your vote?

IS: I help run weekly Smash Bros. tournaments in Student Involvement every week. I have been doing that for a year. I spend all of my Friday afternoons there, from like 4 PM to midnight, it is great.

CB: I have a pretty good fun fact. It is not that exciting, and if it was the 1600s, I would be tried as a witch, but I can write backwards… if you look it up, it is something called ‘mirror writing.’ Something like Leonardo DaVinci did. I just have a natural affinity for it. I can read stuff backwards too, which is really fun.

(Photo provided by the Grays-Dubois campaign)

BY SAM DOUGLAS, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

[Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.]

Q: Can you introduce yourself? What year are you in, and what’s your major?

Isaiah Grays: I am a freshman and majoring in government and international politics.

Why are you qualified to be student body president?

IG: I’ll take you back to my junior year [of highschool]. I was a student representative to my local school board. In that position, although I was in a non-voting position, I was able to yield influence in order to get the board members to see where the students’ priorities are. At the end of that year, I was invited to join an environmental justice council headed by LaTricea Adams, who [was] a President Biden appointee for his White House environmental justice advisory council. 

Also in that year, I was invited to join the Flint Public Health Youth Academy, where we started work on a presentation for the American Public Health Association’s Atlanta conference. In my senior year, I continued my work on those two organizations, but I was also elected president of my high school…[where] student government had a budget of about $10,000 and in that time I believe we spent about $2,000 and then we garnered $4,000 back. I was the first president in a while to not only balance the budget, but expand it from what it was before.

My freshman year of college, I am now working on Capitol Hill because of my experience. I was also a US youth advisor to the United Nations Ocean Decade where I helped work on an education tool kit that was presented in Barcelona, Spain regarding [ocean protection]. I have been working very hard for the past two years to ensure that I know how to speak on behalf of people, know how to listen to people, and know how to get stuff done.

Why should Mason students vote for you?

IG: I was born in Flint, Michigan, that I am sure many people know about. I lived there until I was about three and a half [years old]. They were hit with a severe water crisis where [residents] could not drink the water. I have seen a community damaged by leadership who ignored their voices, so over the past decade, I have been working very hard on how to mold myself into a person who can speak and bring validity to communities. So I would say to Mason students I have seen what it is like for government and administration to ignore its people. I know how to be that mediator, and step in and help.

What sets you apart from the other three tickets?

IG: Number one, I am the youngest. Many people see that as a weakness; I see that as a strength. I see that if the student body elects a freshman in their first year to be their leader, it shows that we are taking this very seriously and that we are wanting change. What also sets me apart from the other candidates is that they are very grounded in the idea that the system works and using the system to push a narrative. My idea is that the system can work, but there are things on the outside that can be brought in to mold it and make it better.

If elected as student body president, what is the first thing you are going to do in office?

IG: Day one for me, I personally want to get to know every person who is in the government. I want to meet and sit down with every senator. I want them to create a list of the top five things they want to get done. And what we are going to do is we are going to create a way to tangibly measure those five initiatives. The biggest thing is communication. We are going to create one of the strongest communication teams that this school has ever had.

If you are elected, how do you see the school being different at this time next year?

IG: I see students talking about the school in a different way. I see people raving about the events that we had that year. I see administration noticeably changing its narrative around Student Government. I see the Board of Visitors having more respect for our student government. So, I believe by this time next year, this campus’s energy, culture and environment is going to feel really different. And they are going to be able to say, the Student Government really got its act together.

There is a lot of pressure on Mason right now, both from the Board of Visitors as well as the federal government. How do you plan to address that as president?

IG: I have the distinct fortune of being a federal employee, and in my time working on the Hill, I have gotten an opportunity to be enriched by various staffers for members of Congress. I believe those connections will be very valuable when it comes to any federal pressure on the university. Being able to get those one-on-one meetings, there is a saying, “it doesn’t matter what you know, it matters who you know.” My boss goes a step further and says, “it matters who knows you.” 

Regarding the Board of Visitors, I want them to see the student body from a different perspective. I do not want them to see us as just numbers or just the rate of acceptance we have on campus. I want them to really see us as customers. I am going to work hard to change that perspective so they can see us as customers who are paying our money to be here.

Anything else students should know about you, your campaign, or your plans?

IG: I want them to know I plan to be available to anyone. If you want my number, I will give you my number. If you need my email, I am going to respond to your email. If you want to have a meeting with me, you can have a meeting with me. I am gonna be available to the student body. I am not going to hide once I get in.

What is one fun fact about you that students should know before they cast your vote?

IG: I am a singer and an actor. I know the suits sometimes may throw people off, but I love to sing and I love to act.

Juliana Marcello/Fourth Estate

BY JULIANA MARCELLO, STAFF WRITER

On April 10, Donald Graham, former publisher of The Washington Post and chairman of Graham Holdings Company, joined President Gregory at the Freedom Learning Forum held by the GMU Center for Leadership and Intercultural Engagement. 

The pair discussed Graham’s numerous achievements made during his time at The Washington Post, as well as the impact of “TheDream.US.” As an enthusiastic storyteller, he shared with the group about the role his mother, Katherine Graham, played at The Post.

Graham began with the story of how the Post exposed the Watergate Scandal in 1972. At the time, his mother, Katherine Graham, was the publisher of The Washington Post. Graham told the group that while he and his siblings supported their mother, she often received pushback due to being one of the few women to own a company of the Post’s size during that time period.

“[Nixon] was trying to take away about ⅓ of the company’s revenue…” said Graham, “and she did not flinch. She wanted to tell the truth.” 

After Katherine Graham gave the order to publish the Pentagon Papers and several leaked U.S. documents, she became one of the most prominent women and leaders in media. She continued to stay strong even as former President Nixon attempted to take apart the Post after he stepped down as President. Graham commented on how proud he was of his mother at the time. 

President Washington then led Graham into a discussion regarding his time working in communications. Graham explained what journalism means to him, he said, “our job is to find the truth but [to] present all sides of the story…tell what you know and not a bit more.” 

He discussed how polarization within the political sphere has impacted integrity in the media today. He said, “They want to persuade you to put on a red shirt or a blue shirt and tell you the facts that they think will lead you to [them.] That is not what I think news casting is about.” He continued, further defining journalism as a carrier of truth.

Graham said, “I have always wanted to be a journalist and I think it’s part of my job to be open minded. I don’t know the truth about everything and I want to find it out.” 

The discussion shifted to Graham’s work as co-founder of TheDream.US. “I’ve always been interested in why young people go to college,” said Graham, “but they don’t have the same opportunity of progress.”

The organization is a college and career success program targeted towards aiding the children of undocumented immigrants. The first-generation immigrant population are not eligible to receive federal funding for education and have limited access to career oriented programs.

 TheDream.US has helped over 3 million ‘Dreamers’ gain access to careers and higher-education opportunities. 

During Q&A with the audience, one student asked, “With issues like immigration, and with the challenges facing us today, how do we work through polarization and partisanship to make decisions and to make change?” 

“I think we will get through this polarization, [but], I dont think I’ll be alive to see it,” responded Graham, ending the discussion with, “It [wasn’t] always this way, it will change, and I wish I could say it would be for the better.”

Saahiti Kiran Chamala/Fourth Estate

BY SAAHITI KIRAN CHAMALA, CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

[Editor’s Note: All members of GMU Hunt have chosen to remain anonymous. Each organizer has requested to be referred to under a specific alias.] 

On the evening of March 22, the GMU Hunt, organized by a Mason grad student and his non-Mason-affiliated friends, was a first-time campus-wide puzzle. The puzzle was designed “to bring some joy and curiosity to campus,” said one of the organizers, Alcuin, choosing to remain anonymous.  

“We really are pretty harmless,” laughed Alcuin. “There’s no secret agenda—just puzzles, fun, and a dash of mystery.”

The inspiration behind the GMU Hunt arrived from a longstanding tradition of student-organized hunts at Virginia Tech. 

Days leading up, the flyer posted about campus, listed a meeting time and GPS coordinates “38° 49 ‘45.3”N 77° 18’ 36.4”W.” Students were intrigued yet wary when navigation apps pinned the coordinates near a campus statue in the middle of Mason Pond. 

“We saw the flyer, noticed it was at midnight in this shady spot on campus, and thought, ‘What are we really getting into here?’” recalled one participant who arrived at 11:45 p.m.

With roughly 60 participants at the Confucius Statue of Mason Pond, teams were formed and later handed their first clue. The puzzles referenced campus landmarks, cryptic riddles, and logic challenges. “We were shocked by the turnout,” said Orpheus, self-described as the puzzle platform’s “web-guy.” 

“We expected maybe five people would do this. Suddenly, we’re watching a crowd of 50 tearing around campus at 1 a.m. It was wild,” Orpheus said.

To add more mystique, the organizers mingled discreetly among the participants. They wore hoodies, slipped in and out of puzzle locations, and offered the participants motivational hints  without revealing themselves.

“At one point, everyone was stumped at the Mason House puzzle. We were there, listening in, but trying to keep a low profile,” Alcuin said. “ Some folks suspected we were among them, but they never directly called us out.”

Saahiti Kiran Chamala/Fourth Estate

Many participants reported seeing bystanders who seemed oddly enthusiastic and well-informed. Before long, rumors spread that the “strangers” were the GMU Hunt’s masterminds.

Prior to the hunt, the GMU Hunt website was briefly blocked on the official campus Wi-Fi, resulting in an error message, leaving participants to rely on mobile data. 

“We had no clue that was possible,” said Alcuin. “We weren’t prepared for it at all. It had never happened at Virginia Tech, and we didn’t realize Mason’s firewall or guidelines would block us..”

One surprise that shook the organizers were the teams’ speed at solving puzzles normally intended to take days or even weeks. “We didn’t expect folks to finish so many clues by dawn,” said Alcuin. “One participant we’ve been calling ‘Green Hoodie Guy’… just tore through the riddles like a pro. We stood back amazed, wondering if he was hacking the site or something!”

According to the organizers, one group finished the hunt by around 3 or 4 a.m. with photo-proof, highlighting their puzzle-solving prowess and social connections building skills. 

“We’d love to get officially recognized by Mason or work out [a] partnership,” said Virgil, who manages social media and puzzle difficulty calibration. “At Virginia Tech, we worked closely with faculty and staff to ensure the campus was on board. Our hope is that the GMU administration might embrace it in the same way.”

Planning to conduct a “victors’ meeting” to celebrate the winning teams, the organizers will gather feedback and share statistics about the puzzle answers. 

“We’re here to encourage creative problem-solving and build camaraderie. We want to show people that puzzle hunts are a healthy, intellectually stimulating activity that can become a tradition,” said Alcuin. “From the Wi-Fi ban to the puzzle pacing, it was all brand-new territory. But seeing everyone come out and have fun was the best reward.”

Participants found themselves forging new friendships in the early hours of the morning, tackling cryptic riddles together and creating a shared memory that few will soon forget.

Sam Douglas/Fourth Estate

BY SAM DOUGLAS, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

On April 17, the Academic Programs, Diversity, and University Community Committee is set to vote on the “RESOLUTION OF GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY REGARDING THE PRESIDENTIAL EXECUTIVE ORDER ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION.”

The resolution aims to push for university compliance with the “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity” executive order, as well as the Department of Education’s “Dear Colleague Letter” and “Frequently Asked Questions” documents.

If the resolution passes, it would direct the recently renamed Office of Access, Compliance, and Community to eliminate all programs not required by federal or state law and eliminate the university’s Bias Incident Response Team and Access to Research and Inclusive Excellence Program.

The GMU chapter of American Association of University Professor’s (AAUP) released a statement Thursday morning in opposition to the resolution. 

“The faculty group argues that the proposed resolution would jeopardize the university’s academic excellence, damage its national reputation, and send a chilling message to faculty and students of color and all who commit to equity work,” the statement read.

“They are steamrolling over us and they are implementing a vision for the institution that I do not think the majority of members of our community are asking for, wanting for, or hoping for,” said Dr. Bethany Letiecq, president of Mason’s chapter of AAUP.

In a statement, Student Body President Maria Romero Cuesta also opposed the resolution.

“The threat of a resolution like this cannot be minimized, but we must remember that George Mason students are one of resilience,” Cuesta said in the statement.

Weeks ago, on April 4, Mason Student Government participated in a “Hands Off Our Schools” rally at the Department of Education. On March 20, Student Body President Cuesta joined with student body presidents from Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia State University, Norfolk State University, and Longwood University, releasing a statement urging state legislators to “challenge any federal enforcement of the ‘Dear Colleague’ letter that may arise.”

The resolution is the university’s latest response to pressure from the federal government. On March 3, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion was renamed to the Office of Access, Compliance, and Community. Later in the month, Mason was named by the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights as one of 60 schools under investigation for complaints of anti-semitic harassment and discrimination.

The Board of Visitors Academic Programs, Diversity, and University Community Committee will vote on the resolution during their April 17 meeting. If passed, it will be voted on by the full board at their May 1 meeting.

Fourth Estate has reached out to Mason administration for comment.